Cooking in a non-stick pan is like a painting, and your non-stick canvas needs to be smooth. But a scratched non-stick pan presents roadblocks to that. To enjoy a smooth road to cooking, let’s learn how to fix a scratched nonstick pan in just five simple steps.
How to Fix It? ( Step by Step Process)
These steps are not only simple but easy and quick to follow. You don’t have to keep on worrying about your scratched pan. No need to wonder what am I gonna do with this pan?
No more, you have to keep tossing them away. Just fix them at your home and celebrate non-bumpy, non-sticky endless cooking.
But before that, let’s know what’s the science behind it!
How to Reclaim Your Scratched Non-stick Pan? (Is It Really Possible?)
Yes, it is possible to get those non-sticky feelings back while cooking. One of the best solutions is CONDITIONING or SEASONING of the non-stick pan.
Seasoning simply means temporarily coating your scratched nonstick pan with a thin layer of oil or cooking spyware and letting it heat for a few minutes.
The idea behind seasoning is that when a layer of oil heats over medium heat, the oil starts to polymerize, resulting in the filling of pores and a barrier between food and the scratched surface.
Ultimately, it helps to fix your scratched non-stick pan. And doing this is pretty easy, quick, and affordable!!!
Now Let’s understand how to fix a scratched non-stick pan like a PRO!!!!
CLEANING
1. How to Clean the Scratched Non-Stick Pan?
It’s essential to get your damaged pan thoroughly cleaned before proceeding further. The pan needs to get rid of all the dirt, grease, or rust layer. Otherwise, all the scratched Teflon particles may enter your food and make you sick.
You just need a regular sponge and a dishwasher with some warm water. Warm water is better than normal water to clean the pan. Now sponge all through your scratched non-stick pan. Make sure no particle or any grease stain remains.
Keep the washed pan open in the air and let it dry until all the moisture goes away.
COATING
2. How to Coat the Scratched Non-stick Pan (Either With a Cookware Repair Spray or Oil)
Post cleaning and drying, it’s time to coat your pan. To fix your scratched non-stick pan, you need Cookware sprays that are handy and simple to apply. They are affordable, and you can easily get one from the grocery store.
How to spray your damaged pan? The right way!
Set your spray 1 foot above your scratched pan, now spray repeatedly, and continue to spray until you see that the pan has an even coating.
Make sure that the pan gets a considerably thick layer to stay longer when you reuse your nonstick pan.
In addition to this, remember that your kitchen is well ventilated while you use these sprays and are out of reach of your children and pets.
Alternatively, you may coat your scratched pan with high heat resistant oils like flaxseed oil and canola oil instead of cookware repair sprays.
WAITING
3. Don’t Disturb Your Coated Pan for the Next 40 Minutes
Leave your Pan for 40 minutes at an average temperature( room temperature), not at a high temperature. The caveat here is that no foreign particles or flies should land over the pan.
The dirt particles or flies can interfere with the hardening of the coating. And if the coating does not go well, the whole process may fall apart.
Note: Flies and dirt particles may also be toxic to your health. Use a cling wrap or tin foil to cover your coated pan.
BAKING
4. How to Bake the Pan in the Oven?
The basic idea behind baking your scratched pan is to set the coating firm. This will make your pan non-stick. The better you bake your pan, the better the film will stay. So how to do it perfectly?
First, you need an oven. Turn it on and preheat it for about 10 minutes at 500 degrees Fahrenheit. Place your pan on the middle rack of the preheated oven.
Second, set the time for 45 minutes. Bake it.
Third, turn off the oven and let the pan sit in the oven for the next 60 minutes. So, it may cool down. Take out your pan. Again let it cool down for 10-20 minutes more.
You will notice a smooth and firm coating over your damaged, scratched pan. Something you wanted to achieve!
Note: Handles of your scratched pan should be oven-proof. Otherwise, you can opt for a stovetop.
Alternatively, you can fix your scratched pan by heating your pan over low to medium heat for 15-20 minutes over a stovetop. This will bring the same result as in the oven.
WASHING
5. How to Wash It? (Once Again)
Yes, you have heard it right! You need to wash it once more. Use lukewarm water and a sponge to wash the remaining spray off. You need to be careful while washing. Don’t apply too much pressure on your pan.
See if your sponge is too abrasive. Otherwise, it may take off all the spray coating.
Now, look carefully to see if the coating is suitable and if your scratched pan is ready to be used again.
In case the coating is not proper and is uneven, then redo the whole process to get the desired nonstick coating.
This is how you can easily fix your scratched nonstick pan at home!
LEARN MORE: How to Clean Burnt Copper Chef Pan
Some TIPS On:
How to Extend the Life of Your scratched and damaged Non-Stick Wares?
- Let fresh air in your kitchen. Keep it ventilated.
- Don’t cook at high temperatures when using your non-stick wares.
- Never preheat non-stick wares. It may overheat them.
- Try to season a nonstick pan with some oil before you use them.
- Say NO to abrasive scrubbing.
- Hand washes them, preferably.
- Toss and turn with wooden, silicone, or nylon utensils. Avoid sharp edge spatulas.
Following all the steps along with these tips will surely gonna fix your scratched nonstick wares back to those glossy wares.
